Exercising machine



July 4, 1933. c. L. DUFF EXERCISING MACHINE Filed Dec. 5, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet l July 4, 1933. I I Q DUFF 1,916,660

EXERCISING MACHINE Filed Dec. 3. 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 J ly 4, 933- c. 1.. "DUFF I 1,916,660

EXBRGISING MACHINE Filed Dec. 5, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 y 4, 1933- c. L. DUFF EXERCISING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 3, 1932 I V chine. v Other objects and advantages of the inven tion will become apparent from the ifollow-f Patented July 4, 1933 oHARLEs'L. born or COLUMBUS, OHIO Y EXERGISING MACHINE Application filed December 3,1932; 'Seiial'No. 645 617.

. The present invention relates to improve-v merits in the construction and operationof a portable exercising apparatus of the rowing 7 type in, which the machine is arranged to be moved toward and away from the operator.

-An important object of the invention is to provide a simple, efficient and inexpensive apparatus for exercising and developing the c muscles of the legs, back and arms. A further object consists in providinga portable exercising apparatus with a revoluble member arranged to be actuated when the machine is moved'towardand away from v the operator so as. to simulate the action of rowing; 5 p A further'object vide an exercising machine which may be either moved relative to the bodyof the operator or be maintained in a fixed position so 'that parts of the bodyxto be exercised or developed may be moved relative to the ma- "ing description when-taken in conjunction with the accompanying claims and drawings.

Referring to the drawings in which is with the foot engaging portions or abutments shown", a preferred embodiment of the invention: I

Figure 1 is' a plan view of the exercising apparatus'with a portion of the'connecting strap cut away.- I

Figure 2 is an end view of Figure 1;"

tia lly along the line 3- 3 of Figure 1',

Figure 4 is "a detail sectional View taken substantially 'along'the line4-4of Figure 1.

Figure-5 is a sectional view taken substantends through the openings 21 and the slots 4 a ti a lfly along the line 5'5 of Figure 1.

igu're 6 is a bottom plan v ew of porting base with parts in section.

Figure 7 is a side elevation ofthe machine" showingtheposition of the body of the operator whenth e machine is in its initial or innermost position.

Figure '81s a slde view-substantially simiby passing the lar Figure 7 showing the position-of the body of the operator when the machine is,

' nioved its full distance away from theopera' of the: invention is to pro- "Figure 3 is a sectional view taken sub'stanthe sup- I Figure 9, is a view similar to Figure S show-. ing the position of the body of the operator after the strap has been paid out and just priorto allowing it to rewindon the shaf ofrthe rotor. v V

Figure 10 is a plan'view of a modified form of the exercising machine with parts removed, 7 r V Figure 11 is an end view of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a detail sectional view of the foot platform shown in Figure 10.

Figure 13 is a sectionalview of a modified form of foot platform. Referring to the drawings in which like.

numerals indicate like parts in the several views, thecportable exercising apparatus in general, is indicatedvby the numeral 10 and; essentially comprises asupporting base 11 (Figure 2) having at its forward end a pair of spaced arms 12 inwhich are journaled the rollers 13 (Figure 6). Extending me dially from the. rear of the base lliare a pair of arms 14 which support the rear roller 15; Standards 16 project upwardly from the sidesof the base and have pivotally connected thereto a platform or frame 17 as at 18. I The .platforinql7 is, preferably formed 19 and an intermediate recess portion or shell 20 (Figure 1). The abutinents 19 are arside or toe thereof. Apair of'spaced plates 22 extend upwardly from the heel of each abutment 19 and are formed with a series of transversely disposed slots 23 and have outer flared ends 24 (Figure 1) which are tapered as at 25 (Figure 2). A'flexible strap 26 ex- 23 to detachably secure the foot of the operator to the'platforni 17. The strap 26 may pass through any pair of slots 23 so that the portion. 27 thereof between the plates 22 constitutes a soft heel rest for'the' foot of the operator while the length of the foot platform 17 may be adjusted to different sizes the beveled surface 25 in the flange 24 will strap through opposite pair's of the slots 23. Thestrap 26 in passing over surface for engaging the foot of the operator.

The recess or shell portion 20 (Figure 5) has its sides 28 extending upwardly beyond the foot portion 17 and preferably is of circular shape. The sides 28 have radial openings 29 (Figure 4) and spaced web portions 30 which extend outwardly from the sides and are located beneath the foot portion 17 A revoluble ponderous member, preferably in the form of the shaft 31, is arranged to be rotatably mounted in the recess portion 20 and has its reduced ends 32 mounted in bearings 33 that are positioned between the webs 30 and maintained in self-aligned position by the set screws 34 which extend through the web. A. ball 35 may be machined in the bearing 33 for taking up the end thrusts of the shaft 31 when the device is in operation.

"The shaft 31 is preferably provided adjacent its ends with enlarged annular weighted members 36 that are keyed or otherwise SL111]:

ablyconnected thereto. While the shaft 31 may be made of metal, and the members 36 integrally connected thereto, preferably a wooden shaft is employed. The opening 37 in each of the foot portions 17 through which the ends of the shaft 31 pass may be closed by a cover 38 while the upper surface of the -foot portions are formed with an arch support .39 so as to insure the comfortable engagement of the feet of the operator with the platform.

A clutch 40 carried by a reduced portion 41 of the shaft 31, is connected to the actuating strap 42 by the link 43 and coupling 44 (Figure 3) so that in the operation of the machine the strap 42 is alternately wound and unwound on the shaft. The clutch 40 is preferably made of leather or other suitmember when in operation will be-maintained much longer by provision of the metal shoe 45 and will provide more force for the oper-.

ator to overcome, thus increasing the efliciency of the apparatus and also lessening the wear 'on the clutch.

The flexible member 42 is connected'at its outer end to a reduced portion '46 of the handle 47,v which handle is provided with the grips 48 arranged to be engaged by the hands 3 of the operator.

In use the machine is arranged to be moved on the floor or other plane surface toward and away from the operator. As shown in Figure 7, the machine is in its initial or innermost position with thefeet ofthe opany length of arm or body stroke when the machine is movedaway from the operator to its outermost position or maintained in a fixed position. As shown in this figure, the body 49 of the operator is upright and the machine is moved close to the operator with the strap 42 wound on the shaft 31. A

cushion or seat 50 may be provided for permitting the operator to assume a comfortable As the legs of the position on the floor. 7 I operator are stretched or moved to thelr'exerator clamped to the platform 17 the tended position, as shown in Figure 8, the 7 machine is moved away from the operator,

causing the shaft 31 to rotate in itsbear ings 33 and the platform 17 to move about its pivots 18 so that thefeet will assume a normal inclined position In order that the strap 42 when paid out will remain in itsextended position without rewinding on the shaft 31, it is necessary for the operator to friction clutch so that the strap will not be rewound on the shaft. However, the instant the operator slackens the pull onthe strap 42, the latter will rewind in the opposite di- 1 rection from the way itwas unwound, causing the body of the operator toassume the upright position (Figure 7) and the machine to be moved inwardly. This operation may be repeated as long as desired, with the re sult that the muscles of the legs, back andarmsare exercised- The machine is admirably suited for exercising and reducing corpulent parts of the body. Regular use of the device will prevent these muscles from becoming dormant or inactive, and'thus develop or retain a physique. r V

In the modified form ofthe invention illustrated in Figure. 10, the base or carriage 49 has integrally connected thereto theshell slim and attractive form or or housing 50. The end walls 51 of the shell I ceiving the ends 53 of therotor shaft 54 that extend laterally beyond the shell 50, so asto are each formed with an opening 52 forre assume the position shown in Figure l().' A I 57 that is bolted or otherwise secured as at 58 to the outer face of the adjacent end 51 of the shell so as to receive and constitute a bearing for the end portions 53 of the 110- tor. Each of the foot members 56 may be movably mounted on the sleeve 55 and con- 5 nectedto each other so as to *be simultaneously operated by a bar or arm 59. The foot,

nrembers 56 may be secured to the sleeve by a curved clamping member 60 that has laterally extending arms6l provided with openings 62, through which" extend the threaded bolts 63 that fit in complementary threaded openings 64- in the underside of the footjmember 56, so that when these parts areset up-the foot member 56 will be jour naled on tlie sleex e 55; A washer 65 may be .detachably connected tothe endof the sleeve, 55 by the bolts 66 or integral therewith for insuring the foot member 56 being ;.maintained in proper position.

be, desired, the foot member 56 may be inde- Should it pendently mounted on the sleeve 55 and the connecting strap 59 dispensed with. In such a construction, a foot member 67 (Figure 13) may be employed, which member movably connected to the sleeve 55 by means of a depending boss 68 provided with a bearing opening 69 arranged to receive the sleeve 55 and be retained in position thereon by the washer 65.

Spaced rotors 70 are keyed or otherwise secured to the shaft 54, and are positioned within the shell so as to be actuated bv-the flexiblemember 71in substantially the same manner as the strapfl42 previously described.

A guard 7.0 extends upwardly from each of the foot members 56 and 67 adjacent the ends 51' of the shell so as to prevent the feet of the operator from coming in contact therewith. v v r p I It will be noted that the modified form of the invention illustrated in Figure 10 differs from that shown in Figure 1, in that in the former the shell is rigidly: connected to the base, while in the latter the shell. is arranged to be moved with the foot platform. Otherwise, the construction and operation of the machine is substantially the same.

In view of the flexible character of the invention, it will beseen that it may be used for exercisingvarious parts of thebody and in certaln exercises, it may be mainta ned 1n a fixed position relative to the operator.

In other words, the operator may assume the position as shown inFlgure 8 ll'lClWltlP out bendlng the knees, exercise the back,

arms and abdomen musclesby bending the body at the hips until the shoulders touch the floor during which operation the arms may. assume various beneficial positions with the knees being rigid during the entire movement. The strapor pulling cords 42' and 71 maybe adjusted to they desired length wrapping or unwrapping them onthe handle to suit the particular movement or stroke which it is desired to perform. Likewise, the machine may be used by the operator while sitting on a chair with the apparatus strapped to his feet. and bending at the waist so as- ;to exercise the arm and shoulder muscles.

I shaft.

It is. to bGllIldGI'StOOdfi'illttt the forms of the invention herewithshown and-described are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments, and that such changes-may be made as fall within the-purviewof one. skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention andthe scope of the appendj a fiexiblemember connected at :one end to said shaft and having a handle at its oppo-f site end arranged to be grasped by the operator whereby uponthe movement of the machine or the arms of the operator to actuate the revolublev member and cause the flexible membersto be wound and unwound on the 2.-An exercising machine of the class described including a portable base having revoluble means for permitting the machine to be moved towardsand away from the operator, a platform pivotally mounted on the base and provided with foot engaging portions and an intermediate recess portion, a

rotor mounted in said recess portion and having the ends ofits shaft ournaled in said foot portions, means fordetachably connecting the feet of. the operator to the foot portions, a'clutch mounted on the shaft of therotor, a flexible member connected at one end to the clutch. so as'to'be wound and unwound on the shaft, and means connectedto the opposite end of the flexible member arranged to be gripped by the operatorso that upon movement of the machine to cause'the actuation of said rotor.

3.,An exercisingmachine of the class de-f scribed includingaportable base having revoluble means for permitting the machine tobe moved towards and away from the operator, a platform pivotally mounted on the base and provided with foot engaging portions andan interi'nediate recess portion, a rotor I mounted in said recess portion and having the ends of its shaft journaled to the underside of said foot-portions, means detachablyconnecting the feet of the operator to the foot portions, a clutch-mounted on the shaft of the rotorand a flexible member connected at one end to the clutch so as to be wound and unwound on the shaft, and means connected to the opposite end of the flexible member arranged to be gripped by the operator so that upon movement of the, machin the actuation ofsa id rotor.

4. An exercising machine of the class described includinga portablebase. having reve to cause oluble means for permitting the machine to be moved toward and away from the oper-' ator, a platform movably connected to the base and provided with foot engaging por- ,tions and an intermediate recess portion, the

sides of said recess portion extending out wardly from the foot engaging portions and formed with radial openings, a rotor mounted in said recess portion and having its shaft journale-d in bearings positioned at the inner end of said openings, a clutch mounted on said shaft, and a flexible member connected at one end to said clutch and having a handle connected to the other end thereof,

5 said flexible member arranged to be Wound and unwound on the shaft upon the actuation of the machine.

5. An exercising apparatus of the class described including a portable base having rollers connected thereto for moving the machine on the ground toward and away from the operator, a platform movably connected to the base and provided with foot engaging portions and an intermediate recess portion, 7 :SELlCl recess portion having its sides extending outwardly from the foot engaging portions, each of said sides having spaced webs and a radial opening, a rotor mounted in said recess and having its shaft journaled in bearings mounted between said webs, each of said 7 foot portions having an opening for permit ting the insertion and removal of the rotor into said recess portion, a cover for the opening in said foot portions, a clutch connected to said shaft, and a flexible member connected to said clutch and arranged to be wound and unwound on the shaft upon the actuation of the machine.

6. An-exercising machine of the class de- .scribed including a portable base, a platform movably connected to the base and provided with spaced foot engaging portions, each of said portions having means at the front thereof for receiving a strap, spaced heel {plates connected to the rear of the foot portion, each of said heel plates having an outwardly flared inclined end and a serles of transversely disposed slots, said slots arthereof, a platform movably connected to p "the standards and having spaced foot abutments and an intermediate shell portion, a

rotor revolubly mounted in said shell portion, and a flexible member connected to the rotor and arranged to be wound and unwound 'thereon during the operation of the machine.

8. An exercising machine of the class de-' scribed including a'base, a revoluble member having its shaft journaled on the base, a flexible member connected to the revoluble member and arranged to begrasped by the operator so as to be wound and unwound on the revoluble member, and a foot platform movably connected to the base and in axial alignment with the shaft of the revoluble member.

9. An exercising machine of the class de-'75 scribed including a base having a shell member connected thereto, a revoluble'member' mounted within the shell, spaced foot mem ber, means pivotally connecting the foot members to the base adiacentthe sides of the shell member, and a flexible member connected to the revoluble member and arrangedto be grasped by the operator so as to be wound and unwound on the revoluble member;

10. An exercising machine of the class de-' scribed including a portable base, a rotor shaft revolubly mounted on the base, spaced, foot engaging members movably connected to the base in axial alignment with said shaft, and a flexible member connected to the shaft and arranged to be grasped by the operator whereby upon movement of the machine or the arms'of the operator to actuate the rotor shaft and cause the flexible member to be wound and'unwound on the shaft. l

I 11. An exercising machine of the class de-' scribed including a portable base having a shell portion, a rotor shaft mounted in said shell and having its ends extending from the sides thereof,,foot members journaled to the 1 endsof said shaft, and a flexible member connected to the shaft and arranged to be grasped bythe operator whereby upon movement of the machine or of the arms of the operator to actuate the rotor shaft and cause the flexible member to be wound and unwound on the shaft.

12. An exercising machine of the class described including a portable base having a ,7 shell portion, a rotor shaft mounted in said shell portion and having its ends extending. from the sides thereof, spaced foot members connected together so as to be simultaneously operated, said foot members being journaled to the ends ofsaid shaft, and a flexible member connected to the shaft and arranged to be grasped by the operator so as to bewound and unwound thereon. V

13. An exercising machine of the class described including aba'se, a rotor shaft mounted ,on said base, spaced foot members, means movably connecting the foot members to the ends ofsaid rotor shaft, and a flexible]mem ber connected to the shaft and arranged to be wound and unwound thereon. I v

14. An exercising machine of the'class described including a portable supporting member having revoluble means for permitting the machine to be movable over a substantiallyflat surface towards and' away from the operator, spaced foot abutments movably connected to the supporting memher, a revoluble ponderous member journalstantially flat surface towardsv and away from the operator, and having a shell portion connected thereto, spaced foot platforms movably connected to the supporting member, a revoluble ponderous member journalled in said shell portion and a strap connected to the revoluble member arranged to :be grasped by the operator to be Wound and un Woundv on the revoluble member when the portable member is moved towards and away from the operator.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

CHARLES L. DUFF. 

